How to Submit to Zuda

On October 30, 2007, DC Comics--a major player in the print comics market--will launch ZudaComics.com. This new imprint will usher many new webcomics into the World Wide Web and give visitors to the site the chance to pick which ones receive year-long commissions. Even better, the submission process is a rolling one so this is not a one-time deal. If you'd like to toss your pencil, brush or stylus into the ring, here's the breakdown as I see it.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Read the contracts. There are three of them so make sure you read them all. Only the Submission Agreement has to be submitted with the initial 8 Screens but you wouldn't enter if you didn't want to win so make sure to read and understand the Rights Agreement and the Service Agreement which you will need to sign later.
2. Create your initial submission. Instead of strips or pages, Zuda deals in "Screens" as a unit of measure. You need 8 Screens for your initial submission and they all must be on the same theme or overall story. You can use each screen for a separate arc or use all eight to show a single storyline. How you divide each Screen (number of panels and layout) is up to you, as long as it fits in the prescribed format.
3. Format your submission. Screens are (per the Technical Requirements) 2,750 pixels wide by 2,063 pixels tall at a resolution of 400 dpi. This will be shrunk down when you actually submit it (800-by-600 pixels at 72 dpi) but you need the larger size available if you are picked for a competition or as an instant winner. If you create on the computer then it makes sense to begin with that size of digital canvas.
   
   If, on the other hand, you create away from the computer and will be scanning it for submission, keeping your original in a 4:3 ratio will make scanning at the proper resolution and size simpler. Remember that it's always easier to size down rather than size up!
4. Create your Concept and Synopsis statements. Along with the initial 8 Screens and the Submission Agreement you'll need to provide short and long descriptions of your comic. The High Concept is limited to 200 characters (not words!) but the Full Synopsis gives you 2,000 characters to play with. Put your best words forward to give the review panel a good idea of what your webcomic is all about (the High Concept) and where it's going (the Full Synopsis).
5. Submit your materials. Go to ZudaComics.com and send your Screens and forms to the review panel.
6. Wait. Oh, but this is the hardest part. They have 90 days to review your submission (from the date you submitted it) to accept it either as an instant winner or as a member of one of the next three competitions.
7. Become a part of the community. While you wait for your submission to be accepted or even while you're still mulling over your story, spending some time reading the other comics available, voting and commenting could be a great learning experience as a creator. This is also a great way to network with other creators and fans with similar interests.

Tips & Warnings

• While you wait for your submission to be reviewed, think about the rest of your story. If you win you will need to be able to create 52 more Screens continuing the series that the submission began. The waiting time is a great opportunity to brainstorm ideas or even start on some of the art. If you aren't chosen within those 90 days you are free to publish your work elsewhere: why not continue the series on your own?
• Please refer to the official Zudacomics site for updates and contracts.

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